New York in Style.

17 Oct New York in Style.

New York’s many nicknames are the first clue that this city is both a muse and dare. It’s the Everest of cities –a place of breathtaking charm and stomach-churning challenge.

And that’s what makes it so beguiling.

Freshly back from a whirlwind trip to my beloved former hometown, I got to riff on All Things New York with Dress, Memory author Lorelei Vashti at Melbourne’s trendy Bellota – a chic South Melbourne restaurant which could have been in Greenwich Village. The themed evening combined books featuring New York with a menu to match. The lobster rolls and kale salad were divine, there were Manhattans – of course! – and perfect wines.

Lorelei and I talked shopping and restaurants and shared some of the city’s secrets – including great tips from Janelle McCulloch’s new book New York in Style. If you’re off to New York, pick it up on your way.

The night was the brainchild of Kirsty Manning-Wilcox, a journalist and former publisher for Melbourne University Publishing whose new website readingtree.com.au is a treasure.

I’m looking forward to the next event at Bellotta – Wine and Crime night in early November.